Topanga Days comes to a close 2013

In one of the best Topanga Days surprises, Billy Portman who moved away with his family last year reprises his role as the ever witty emcee.

Canyon population has grown over the years
By Valerie Milano
Woodland Hills, CA (Hollywood Today) 5/29/13 - If you were searching for some fine, family fun, a for sure ‘Don’t Miss’ this Memorial weekend was the 40th Annual Topanga Days – a canyon tradition. LA ’s longest running bohemian festival and country fair was held at the Topanga Community Club Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and it was loaded with fun.
Though the parking was tough as there (plus no handicapped spots) one could avoid the long uphill walk with a shuttle ride. Vendor booths were plenty, a lot of great shopping, one of my favorite things, and I even acquired some cool, bohemian attire.
A true family weekend was in store on this 12-acre property, which became the Topanga Community Center in 1949. There was live music on two stages, Kid Zone was on hand to provide family fun with traditional games like egg tosses, watermelon spitting and pie eating contests, face painting and tattooing. Emcee Billy Portman started the water balloon fight insisting all the women wearing white must participate. It ended up looking like Lord of Flies during the game and for the one who picked up the most balloons from the ground – a free t’shirt was awarded.
Vegan food, BBQ and beverages inc. beer and wine were available as were healing arts. The highlight of the weekend was the Topanga Days Parade on Monday – Cloris Leachman being the Grand Marshall.
Topanga Canyon is one of the last enclaves in Los Angeles paying tribute to their roots by conserving and making use of nature’s beauty. They also tout a deep musical history having been home to Neil Young, Woody Guthrie, Etta James and Marvin Gaye, to name but a few.
Although the canyon population has grown over the years, the festival is still unique and healthy, family spirited.